The UEFA Champions League returns for the new season with a 36-team league phase following the Aug. 27 draw. ESPN has launched a recurring feature ranking the top 10 teams before Matchday 1, based on assessments from 19 global reporters. The panel evaluates contenders from No. 1 (trophy favorite) to No. 10 (dark horse).

Paris Saint-Germain is the unanimous No. 1, receiving nine of 19 first-place votes and never falling below fourth. The defending champions aim for a third consecutive title, the first since Real Madrid's 2016-18 run. Despite a recent domestic loss to Monaco and departures like Bradley Barcola, PSG added depth with Ferran Torres and Lucas Digne. Manager Luis Enrique relies on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembélé. Their opener against Slovan Bratislava is expected to be routine, though tougher tests against Man City and Barcelona loom.

Arsenal is ranked No. 2, earning five first-place votes. Having won the Premier League last season, Mikel Arteta's squad is viewed as a major contender despite losing Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and Leandro Trossard. They face a challenging opener at Napoli.